Garth Brooks: 5 shows or no show

Garth Brooks last night issued an ultimatum that he will play five concerts in Ireland later this month or "none at all".

Dublin City council yesterday morning refused to grant a licence to two of the five sell-out shows, leaving 160,000 ticket-holders due to be in Croke Park on July 28 and 29 facing the possibility that they would miss out on seeing their musical hero.

In a short statement, issued on his behalf by a spokesman, the country superstar said: “I can’t thank the people of Ireland enough for how welcome they have made me feel. I have faith that Dublin City Council will make the best decision for the people of Ireland.